report - tree planting program land care niagara ontario · as you read this year’s annual report...

2010-2011

ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR On behalf of the Board of Directors and Stewardship Council of Land Care Niagara (LCN), I am pleased to present the Annual Report for 2010-2011. LCN is a non-profit community based organization that provides information and natural resource stewardship services to the citizens of Niagara. By working together with property owners and our community partners we enhance and improve Niagara’s natural environment through educational outreach, training initiatives and on the ground resource stewardship initiatives. As you read this year’s annual report you realize core programs such as the Niagara Natural Heritage Ecological tree planting program and the volunteer based Eco-Inclusion program continue to reflect the LCN vision of “creating a healthy and sustainable rural and urban environment, consisting of citizens who are knowledgeable and active in land resource management”. Under these two programs, over 1.2 million native trees and other native plants have been planted on over 1300 acres of land since its inception 13 years ago.

LAND CARE NIAGARA

People working together to advance stewardship on Niagara’s landscape

4890 Victoria Avenue North Vineland Station, Ontario,

CANADA L0R 2E0

Phone: 905-562-4715 Fax: 905-562-1154

[email protected]

With a simple click of your mouse, Help plant a tree @

www.landcareniagara.com Visit Daily!

We have also continued with Re-Leaf Niagara, a program to mitigate climate change through increasing our urban canopy. This year we moved our office to be located at our Re-Leaf Nursery site. LCN continues to respond to the challenge of protecting and enhancing habitat of species that are threatened or endangered by increasing our involvement yearly with local, provincial and federal species at risk partners. It is through the generous support of our funding partners, including the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Trees Ontario, Regional Municipality of Niagara, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and private donors to name a few, that we continue to be able to take great strides in enhancing Niagara’s natural environment. I sincerely thank our dedicated staff and volunteer members of the LCN Council for their active participation. I anticipate that next year will add to our successes and be another successful year for LCN and our partners as we together continue to “enhance Niagara naturally”. Sincerely, Graeme Ross Chair

© Land Care Niagara. All Rights Reserved

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.landcareniagara.com/


WHO WE ARE & LEADERSHIP


Land Care Niagara (LCN) is committed to creating a healthy and sustainable rural and urban environment, consisting of citizens who are knowledgeable and active in natural resource management.

LCN consists of a Stewardship Council of community volunteers in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources – Ontario Stewardship. These volunteers direct a program that reflects the diverse values the citizens of Niagara place on their environment. Niagara is one of 46 communities across Ontario to have such a program.

The following people served on the Stewardship council in the past year: Graeme Ross (Chair) Farmer and Business Consultant Sheryl Stewart (Director) Marketing Consultant Brad Clements (Director) Birder and retired YMCA CEO Jane Hanlon Executive Director for Climate Action Niagara Jim Koolsbergen Rural Landowner

Nadine Litwin Environmental consultant and educator Joe Montgomery Economic Development Consultant Greg Belmore, Retired Lands Technician - Ministry of Natural Resources Staff: Michael Rose, Stewardship Coordinator Project Consultants: John Romain, Niagara Eco-Program Amy Brant, Species at Risk Katharine Yagi, Species at Risk


NIAGARA NATURAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

Since program inception we have planted over 1.2 million native trees and shrubs to protect and enhance Niagara’s resources. With the assistance of landowners, various funding sources and other environmental groups we were able to mechanically plant 69,600 native trees and shrubs on 34.8 hectares of land in 2010. Program focus is to increase forest interior by increasing the size of our existing woodlots and reconnecting our fragmented natural areas. To ensure plantation success to a mature stage, 72 hectares of previous project sites with unacceptable stocking levels were in-filled with 14,800 seedlings and 12,000 nuts. An additional 1,800 seedlings were distributed and planted for Species at Risk projects and hand planting projects on smaller sites. Program funding partners for 2010-2011 include:

• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; • Ontario Power Generation; • Trees Ontario; • Ontario Trillium Foundation; • Regional Municipality of Niagara; • Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority; • Niagara Parks Commission; • Niagara Restoration Council; • Niagara Land Owners.



NIAGARA ECO-INCLUSION PROGRAM

This program consists of a volunteer work crew that is available year-round to assist groups in environmental activities. Since inception the crew has contributed over 56,000 hours on environmental projects deemed necessary by the community. This year they provided 5,625 hours of service on 56 projects.

In 2009 LCN in partnership with the Region of Niagara and Community Living received funding for two years to continue this important community program. The work crew consists of individuals on social assistance who want to acquire meaningful job enhancement skills and individuals with intellectual disabilities.


This year the Eco-Crew assisted in most LCN programs such as Species at Risk, Woodworking for Nature, Hooked-on-Fishing-not-on-Drugs and was instru-mental in the operating of our Re-Leaf Niagara pot-in-pot native tree nursery. They assisted with 1 prescribe burn and grew native plants to help restore habitat along the Niagara Parkway.

Program partners include: • Ontario Trillium Foundation; • Regional Municipality of Niagara; • Community Living – Welland Pelham; • Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; • Niagara Parks Commission; • Ontario Power Generation; • Robert Land Academy; • Vineland Research and Innovation Centre; • Trees Canada Foundation; • Niagara Community Foundation.



YOUTH PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION

Educating youth and providing them with quality outdoor environmental experiences is a high priority for Land Care Niagara. Highlights of the 2010/2011 program are:

Hooked-On-Fishing-not-on-Drugs Now in its 13th year, this annual Mother’s Day event sees more than 1200 youth and family members enjoy a fun weekend that combines sport fishing, drug pre- vention, environmental conservation, and the bringing of families closer together. Some past youth participants are now volunteers, helping others enjoy the experience. LCN also coordinates other youth fishing days and supports other community fishing events by loaning out fishing equipment through tackle share.

Home School Outdoor Education This year 123 home school students learned about the environment at Short Hills Provincial Park and along the Twenty Valley Beaver Pond Trail. Program was developed for students that are private and home school educated and do not have access to the public funded outdoor study centres in the Region. With Niagara Nature Tours, we have developed a new program for 2011 that integrates our Re-Leaf Niagara program.

Wood Working for Nature This year 391 structures were constructed and placed in the community. Most projects consist of producing habitat kits such as blue bird boxes and having youth assemble the kits as part of a youth event. Once the kits are assembled they are provided to landowners who have suitable habitat. Other projects include composters, native garden planters and SAR items.

Partners include: • Ontario Ministry of Natural

Resources; • Robert Land Academy; • Niagara Nature Tours; • Port Colborne & District

Conservation Club; • Niagara Peninsula

Conservation Authority; • Local Scout groups; • Cops for Kids; • Windmill Point Park; • Niagara Regional Police; • Local landowners.


SPECIES AT RISK

Any plant or animal threatened by or vulnerable to extinction is a species at risk. Niagara is home to an amazing diversity of wild plants and animals, each with unique features that help ensure survival. Each species contributes to the overall balance of life and the disappearance of a species upsets this balance in ways we do not fully understand. The best course of action is to prevent any species from becoming at risk of extinction.

Since 2001 Land Care Niagara has been providing assistance to the local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources biologist and her team of technicians to undertake research, habitat restoration and community outreach educational programs on a number of species at risk in Niagara. Among these species are: Spotted Turtle; Fowler’s Toad; Dusky Salamander; Eastern Grey Snake; Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake; Hop Tree and others.

Communicating SAR habitat needs to landowners, decision makers and the general public through an expanded outreach and education program and the monitoring of species to improve our understanding of their ecology and habitat restoration projects continued to be a large part of the program. In 2010 we planted 1200 Hoptrees and 1000 other native species to help restore SAR habitats.


Program partners include: • Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; • Environment Canada Habitat Stewardship Program; • Provincial Species at Risk Recovery Team members; • Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority; • Niagara Parks Commission; • Local Nature Clubs and Landowner Associations; • Haldimand and Area Stewardship Council; • Trees Canada; • Toronto Zoo; • Regional Niagara; • Ontario Power Generation.



STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY¹ For the year ended March 31, 2011

REVENUES

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources $ Community Fisheries & Wildlife Involvement Program Ontario Stewardship COA Other Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Trees Ontario Foundation Landowners Region of Niagara Trillium Foundation Other

Total revenues

PROGRAM EXPENSES

Eco-Program Home School Outdoor Education Hooked-on-Fishing-not-on-Drugs Niagara Natural Heritage Ecological Framework Re-Leaf Niagara Woodworking for Nature Species at Risk Fish Survey Boat Other funded programs

Total program expenses

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Accounting and legal Advertising, promotion and communications Interest and Bank Charges Office Meetings including travel and entertainment Miscellaneous Vehicle

Total general and administrative Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over Expenses $ Opening Balance – April 1, 2010 $ 162,920 Ending Balance – March 31, 2011 $ 158,540 Notes to Financial Statement

¹ Financial Statements are not yet approved by corporation’s management or yet reviewed by the accounting firm of R.K. Shaver Chartered Accountant. New statement will be posted after the review and approved by the corporation.

16,491 9,550 15,329 37,550 30,159 69,460 9,011 10,866 50,000 9,366

257,782

72,458 2,170 2,192

92,446 24,444 3,714

24,170 15,975 7,082

244,651

3,750 3,785

268 5,309 1,162

501 2,736

17,511

(4,380)


OUR PARTNERS

Since inception, Land Care Niagara has partnered with over 160 groups to advance land and water stewardship in the Region of Niagara. THANK YOU to all the partners and volunteers we have had the pleasure to work with over the years. Audubon Society Bartram Reforestation Beekeepers Association of Niagara Beeline Signs Bert Miller Nature Club Bert Murphy Environmental Education Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Niagara Bradshaw Park Committee Breast Cancer Research & Education Fund Brock University Canada-Ontario Agreement Canadian Chestnut Council Canadian Peregrine Falcon Foundation Canadian Tire Local Niagara School Boards Cave Springs Conservation Area Centre for Community Life & Leadership Chestnut Recovery Team Children’s Discovery Centre Chuck’s Pro Tackle Citizen’s Environmental Watch City of Niagara Falls City of Welland Climate Action Niagara Cogeco Communications Television Community Living Port Colborne Community Living Welland Pelham District 9 Horticultural Society Ducks Unlimited Eco-Action 2000 Eco-Program Volunteers Edith Cavell Public School Environment Canada - HSP Envirothon Committee Evergreen Foundation Fleming College Forest Gene Conservation Association Fort Erie Rail to Trail Fortis Friends of Fort Erie’s Creek Friends of Four Mile Creek Friends of Twelve Mile Creek Friends of Malcomson Park Friends of Short Hills Future Fisherman’s Foundation Grand River Conservation Authority


Great Lakes Clean-up Fund Greater Niagara Circle Route Green Communities Association Habitat Haldimand Haldimand & Area Woodlot Owners’Association Haldimand Stewardship Council Heartland Forest Highview Farms Human Resources Canada Independent Fruit Producers Jackman Foundation Jacob Beam Public School Katimavik Kid’s, Cops and Canadian Tire Lake Erie LaMp Lincoln Waterways Working Group Local Libraries Manotick Land Owner Resource Centre

Meridian Credit Union Natural Insect Control Nature Conservancy of Canada Niagara Cattleman Niagara College Niagara Community Foundation Niagara Falls Nature Club Niagara Healthy Environmental Organization Niagara Home Schools Niagara Hunting and Fishing Club Niagara Land Trust Niagara Nature Tours Niagara North Federation of Agriculture Niagara Parks Commission Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Niagara Peninsula Fruit & Vegetable Growers Niagara Regional Police Association Niagara River Restoration Council Niagara Shorthills Christian Ministry Niagara South Federation of Agriculture Niagara Sustainability Network Niagara Woodlot Association One Mile Creek Landowner Association Ontario Barn Owl Recovery Team Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters Ontario Forestry Association Ontario Healthy Communities Ontario Heritage Foundation Ont. Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs Ont. Ministry of Community & Social Services Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario Power Generation Ontario Public Interest Group Ontario Soil & Crop Ontario Special Olympics Ontario Trillium Foundation Ontario Wildlife Foundation Ontario Woodlot Association Other Partners of Lead Partners Other Provincial Stewardship Councils Owl Foundation Parks Canada and Parks Ontario Pelham Hills G&CC Pheasants Forever

Port Colborne Community Living Pt. Colborne & District Conservation Club Private Land Owners Provincial Land Stewardship Specialists Regional Municipality of Niagara Ridley College Robert Land Academy Royal Botanical Gardens Scotia Bank Scouts Canada Shell Canada Smith Street Cemetery Society for Ecological Restoration St. Catharines Game & Fish St. Johns Centre St. Johns Outdoor Studies Centre Stamford Centre Volunteer Firefighter’s Sugarloaf Marina Sustainable Niagara Teresa Neighbourhood Park TD Canada Trust - Friends of the Environment The St. Catharines Standard The Times News Toronto Zoo Town of Fort Erie Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Township of Wainfleet Trees Canada Trees Ontario Foundation Trees Unlimited University of Guelph Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Wainfleet Nations in Bloom Committee Wainfleet Sparks and Brownies Walker Creeks Landowner Association Walker Industries Welland River Keepers Wetland Habitat Fund Whitemeadow Farms Wildflower Meadows Wildlife Habitat Canada Windmill Point Park YMCA of Niagara Yoga by Sarah

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